Submitted by William H. Teschek, Librarian

Under a new and more accurate method of counting statistics the library circulated over 87,000 books, records, tapes, pamphlets, magazines, films, filmstrips, and art works in 1982. 2,724 new titles were acquired, 622 more than were discarded, allowing the collection to grow slightly for the first time in several years, although this has resulted in even more severe overcrowding.

In 1982 a 5-member committee appointed by the Moderator to study the plans for library expansion met throughout the year with architect John Carter and myself and will propose to the 1983 Town Meeting a two-story addition to be added onto the back of the current building in place of the 1957 addition. This plan is similar to our original plan with the difference that it will be on two levels rather than three. Approximately $300,000 is now in hand toward the construction of the addition, which will hopefully be increased by the figure of $790,000 at the 1983 Town Meeting, enabling us to begin construction in the fall.

After the demise of the Statewide Borrowers Card 11 area libraries joined together to establish the Seacoast Coop Card. Borrowers in good standing in the towns of Brentwood, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Rye, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham may use this card to borrow books at any of the 11 libraries.

Another cooperative venture was initiated by the establishment of a Seacoast Fiction Depository, where area libraries can deposit little used fiction for the use of patrons in participating towns. This allows us to keep our fiction collection current while still having access to the older titles.

In closing I would like to thank the following individuals and groups for their continuing support and volunteer assistance: Olga Armen, Ruth Barkley, Arlene Farrell, Ann Hanson, Dorothy Lee, the Hampton Garden Club, the Friends of the Library, and our three Trustees - Dot Little, Barbara Ryan and Katie Anderson. The staff and I would like to thank all the townspeople who have shown a continuing interest in the library, and we invite everyone in town to avail themselves of the free and varied services offered at the Lane Memorial Library. Keep us in mind for all your information needs.